The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has come under intense criticism following its recent directive mandating air passengers to switch off their mobile phones completely during take-off and landing, instead of using the conventional airplane mode setting.
The new rule, announced by the NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, effectively bans the long-accepted practice of using flight mode on electronic devices—a policy that global aviation authorities phased out years ago.
The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), in a strongly worded statement signed by its Country Head, Akingunola Omoniyi, condemned the directive, describing it as a “serious international embarrassment” to Nigeria.
According to the group, modern aviation technology has evolved to the point where personal electronic devices pose no real risk to aircraft navigation systems.
NEFGAD cited leading international airlines—such as Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Delta—that not only allow airplane mode throughout flights but also provide in-flight Wi-Fi at all stages, including take-off and landing.
“The NCAA seems stuck in a regulatory time warp,” the group said.
“Instead of focusing on outdated concerns, the authority should be addressing pressing issues such as upgrading aircraft technology standards, consumer protection, and aviation safety.”
NEFGAD further warned that the directive could reinforce global perceptions that Nigeria’s aviation sector relies on aging and obsolete aircraft, many of which are over 25 years old.
“The NCAA directive has clearly signaled to the outside world that our airspace is dominated by outdated planes manufactured before the year 2000.
This raises red flags about Nigeria’s aviation competitiveness and safety reputation,” Omoniyi stressed.
The group also disclosed that it has petitioned the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to conduct a full audit of Nigerian airlines’ technological compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Beyond safety concerns, NEFGAD lamented the high cost of air travel in Nigeria.
Despite passengers paying some of the highest domestic and international fares in Africa, the group argued that the in-flight experience remains poor due to outdated policies and lack of innovation.
“Passengers in Nigeria pay premium prices yet endure outdated practices like switching off devices, no in-flight Wi-Fi, and frequent flight delays.
NCAA should prioritize reforms that improve customer experience rather than enforcing policies that belong to the 1990s,” the statement added.
Industry experts also criticized the move, noting that airplane mode has long been a global standard. According to aviation consultant, Capt. Musa Abubakar, there is no documented case of a passenger’s mobile phone interfering with aircraft systems in modern aviation.
“Banning airplane mode is not only impractical but unnecessary.
The NCAA should instead focus on ensuring airlines upgrade their fleets and improve safety compliance,” he said.
Observers say the backlash reflects broader frustration with Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has been plagued by aging fleets, frequent cancellations, and regulatory inconsistencies.
For Nigeria to compete globally, experts insist the NCAA must shift from regulatory grandstanding to technological adoption—aligning with international best practices, encouraging fleet modernization, and ensuring passengers enjoy modern in-flight experiences.
Until then, the controversial ban on airplane mode may remain a symbol of what critics describe as Nigeria’s aviation industry trapped in the past.